Officials at the Good Shepherd hospital told The Lund Report that unlike other insurers, Providence Health Plan doesn’t trust the hospitals’ judgment on hospital admissions and may later stiff them for payment. The dispute between the two companies led the hospital to send out a letter advising Hermiston residents to find another health insurance company.
Health Republic Insurance, a year-old health insurer that calls itself a “true non-profit,” held its inaugural annual meeting and board of directors’ election under a transparent tent in downtown Portland as a symbol of its member-governed structure.
In a car dependent society, it’s easy to forget that not everyone can drive wherever they need to go. Even in Portland, a city lauded as a leader in public transportation, not having a car can be a challenge.
Gov. John Kitzhaber announced Monday that Oregon would contain any potential Ebola virus threat by hewing closely to guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and not take more drastic steps as ordered on the East Coast to detain anyone returning to the United States who had come in contact with the disease in West Africa.
To keep drug costs under control, Dr. Brian Druker advocates negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry, while Senator Ron Wyden says it’s necessary to bring Medicare drug costs under control.
As required both by state law and federal regulations, the Secretary of State’s office will independently look over Cover Oregon’s books to assure that the exchange followed proper accounting methods. The work is planned to be conducted by a third-party accounting firm.
Controlling the cost of expensive specialty drugs like Solvaldi to treat Hepatitis C may be the key to whether the cost controls put on Medicaid will also work with the Public Employees Benefit Board.
In all, 18 Oregon hospitals face penalties of $1.9 million next year for sending Medicare patients home too early, while across the nation 2,610 hospitals faced a similar wrath.
Local environmental groups are urging Nancy Brinker not to accept the $100,000 donation at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game this Sunday, while petitions are gaining momentum nationwide.
